Washing apparatus having an automatically cycled regenerative water-softening system



' Jan. 13, 1948. H. E. EDWARDS 2,434,353

WASHING APPARATUS HAVING AN AUTOMATICALLY CYCLED REGENERATIVEwATER-SOFTENING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 2, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet '1 19:5 1;. E;Z I 5 hi. i M1??? WITNESSES:

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INVENTOR HILBERT E. Eownnos.

BY I ATTORfi? WASHING APPARATUS HAVING AN AUTOMATICALLY CYCLED Jall- H.E. EDWARDS REGENERATIVE WATER-SOFTENING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 2, 1943 2Sheets-Sheet 2 FTc Es.

//////////////////ll/I/Y INVENTOR HILBERT E. EownRos.

BY 77 ATTORE EY WITNESSES: 26314. 21.5

Patented Jan. 13, 1948 WASHING APPARATUS HAVING AN AU- TOMATICALLYCYCLED REGENERATIVE WATER-SOFTENING SYSTEM Hilbert E. Edwards,Mansfield, Ohio, assignor to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, EastPittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application September 2,1943, Serial No. 500,241

3 Claims.

These and other objects are effected by my invention as will be apparentfrom the following description and claims taken in connection with theaccompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a washing machine having awater-softening mechanism constructed and controlled in accordance withmy invention;

Fig. 2 isa diagrammatic view of a control mechanism defining a secondembodiment of the invention and which may be applied to the washingmachine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section taken along the line III-III of Fig. 2; and

Figs. 4 and 5 are respective end and side elevations of a detailemployed in the control mechanism shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

Reference will now be had to the drawings wherein I have shown myinvention applied to an automatically-cycled washing and centrifugingmachine of the type including a generally cylindrical tub I!) having anaccess opening II in the front end thereof and closed by a suitable doorl2. The tub l encloses a generally cylindrical perforate basket l3 openat its front end adjacent the access opening I I and provided with aplurality of vanes M for agitating the fabrics during washing periods.

The basket I3 is rotated at relatively low speed during washing periodsand athigh speed during centrifuging periods by means of atwo-speedmechanism indicated at and belted, as shown at l6a, to a constant speedmotor l1. As the construction and operation of two-speed mechanisms ofthe type shown at l5 are Well understood in the art, the mechanism hasnot been shown in detail. The mechanism I5 is adjusted for high and lowspeed operation by an electro-magnet, generally shown at l6 and soconstructed and arranged that, when deenergized, the mechanism I5rotates the basket at slow speed and, conversely, when the magnet I8 isenergized, the basket is rotated at high speed. A suitable mechanism'ofthe type shown at 15 is disclosed in my Patent No. 2,284,047, grantedMay 26, 1942. 4

Washing water is supplied to the tub in from hot and cold water sourcesthrough conduits l8 and I9, respectively. These conduits are connected,as shown, to a water-mixing device, generally indicated at 2|, andadjustable to provide different temperatures of water for the washer.Water is discharged from the mixing device 2i through a. conduit 22under control of a solenoid valve 23. The latter is so arranged that itis open when energized and closed when deenergized. A suitablethermostatically-controlled mixing device of the type shown at 2! isdisclosed in the patent to Frank Breckenridge, No. 2,296,266, grantedSeptember 22, 1942.

The discharge conduit 22 connects the downstream side of the valve 23with the inlet opening 24 of a container 25 for a water-softening agent,such as, for example, zeolite. Water softened by its contact with thezeolite is discharged from the container 25 through a conduit 26 to theinterior of the tub l0. As is well understood, water-softeningproperties of zeolite or similar compounds are progressively reduced inuse and the compound must be periodically reactivated. Further referenceto this operation is made hereinafter.

In order to economize in the use of hot water, a by-pass conduit 21shunts the water-mixing device 2I and connects the cold water conduit Hito the conduit 22. Flow of water through the bypass conduit 2'! is undercontrol of a solenoid valve 36, similar in construction to the valve 23.As will be apparent, two temperatures of Water may be passed to theconduit 22.for one setting of the water-mixing device 2!. During washingperiods, when relatively hot water is required, only the valve 23 isopen, so that water at the temperature for which the device 2! is set ispassed to the washer. During rinsing periods, a lower temperature watermay be employed, so that both valves 23 and 30 are open, and the coldwater passing through the by-pass 21 serves to reduce the temperature ofthe hot water discharged by the mixing device 2i.

Vitiated water is discharged from the tub l0 through a discharge opening28 which communicates with the inlet of a pump 29 by means of a conduit3|. Water discharged by the pump 29 is passed through a conduit 32,which in practice is usually made flexible and which extends upwardlyabove the level of water normally maintained in the tub I. The upper endof the conduit 32 may be provided with a gooseneck 33 which is hung overthe edge of a stationary wash tub. With this arrangement, it will beapparent that, when the tub contains a body of washing water, theconduit 3|, the pump 29 and that portion of the conduit 32 below thelevel of water in the tub I are flooded. At this time, of course, thepump 29 is inactive. Water is discharged from the tub I 0 by connectingthe pump 29 to the motor H, which operation is efiected by a clutch, oneelement of which is shown at 34, rotatable with the pump, while theother element 35 of which is splined to the motor shaft 36 and isrotatable therewith. The clutching element 35 is disengaged from theclutching element 34 by means of a tension spring 37 and a pivotedmember 33. Engagement of the clutching elements 34 and 35 is carriedinto effect by a solenoid 39. the movable element of which is connectedto the pivoted member 38. When energized, the solenoid 39 moves theclutching elements 34 and 35 into engagement so that the pump is rotatedby the motor IT.

The solenoid valves 23 and 30, the pump solenoid 39, the solenoid l6,and the electric motor I! are selectively energized to provide apredetermined program of washing and centrifuging steps by means of amotor-driven timer diagrammatically shown at 4|. For convenience, thelatter is shown as a rotatable drum switch, the drum 42 of which isshown in development, and moved at all times in the direction of thearrow. Movement of the drum may be effected by a manuallyoperated knob43 to initiate a washing operation and is thereafter driven by a timermotor 44 at relatively low speed of, for example, one revolution inapproximately forty-eight minutes.

The timer 4| includes a plurality of stationary fingers 45 to inclusive,which are engageable with a plurality of segments 52 to 61, inclusive,the latter being movable with the drum 42. The segments 52 to 56,inclusive, are electrically connected and are effective during thepro-wash period, at the conclusion of which the timer is moved to an offposition. The segments 51 to 51, inclusive, are electrically connectedand are effective during the washing and centrifuging periods of theapparatus, at the conclusion of which the timer is moved to the offposition, as shown in the drawing.

The source of power for the various electric translating devices isdefined by line conductors L1 and L2, the former of which is connectedto the finger 45, as shown, and the latter of which is connected to oneterminal of each of the motor l1, timer motor 44, the magnets i6 and 39,and solenoid valves 23 and 30. The opposite terminals of the solenoidvalves 23 and 30 are connected to the fingers 41 and 48, respectively,and the opposite terminals of the solenoids I6 and 39 are connected tothe fingers 50 and 49, respectively. The motors 44 and I! are connectedin parallel, so that their opposite terminals are tied together andconnected to the finger 5|. The apparatus which I have described up tothe present effects a complete program of washing and centrifuging stepswhich will be described hereinafter.

As set forth heretofore, the softening agent in the container 25 losesits softening properties with use and must be regenerated. In accordancewith my invention, regeneration of the softening agent is automaticallyefiected during a period in the washing cycle when the'admission ofwater to the tub is not required. Reactivation of the agent is effectedby passing a brine therethrough which restores its softening properties,as is well understood. The brine is contained in a vessel 1| and iscomposed of water and salt in solution. As the vessel II is notsubjected to the water pressure of the supply means, it may be ofrelatively light construction and open at the top,

or, if desired, closed by a lid. The admission of water from the coldwater conduit Is to the vessel 'II is under control of a float valve 12of any well understood construction. The float valve 12 operates toadmit water to the vessel 1| when the level of the brine in the vesselfalls below a predetermined level, indicated by the broken line A.

The vessel ii is elevated with respect to the container 25 so that thepassage of brine therebetween is by gravity. A conduit 13 providescommunication between the vessel 1| and the container 25, and the flowof brine through the conduit 13 is controlled by a solenoid valve 14which may be similar in construction to the valve 23. The reactivatingbrine, after passage through the softening agent, passes through theconduit 22 and a conduit 15 to the conduit 3|, and thence to the inletof the pump 29. Flow of brine through the conduit I5 is controlled by asolenoid valve 18 constructed similarly to the valve 14 and electricallyconnected in parallel therewith. In this connection it will be notedthat one terminal of each of the solenoid valves 14 and I5 is directlyconnected to the line conductor L: while the opposite terminals areconnected by a conductor 11 which extends to the flnger 45 of the timer.The passage of water in the various condiuts is indicated by solidarrows and the passage of reactivating and flushing fluid for thesoftening agent is indicated by broken arrows.

In operating the apparatus, the fabrics to be treated are deposited inthe basket I3, and the door I2 is closed. The thermostatic device 2| isadjusted for the temperature of water necessary for the type of articlesbeing cleaned. If it is desired to. prewash or soak the fabrics, thetimer 4| is moved to the prewash position, whereupon the segments 52,54, 55 and 56 engage the fingers 5|, 48, 41 and 45, respectively.Accordingly, the timer motor 44 and the main motor are energized throughthe segment 52 and finger 5|. The solenoids 30 and 23 are energized bythe engagement of the segment 54 and thecontact 48, and the segment 55and the contact 41.

Water from the mixing device 2| and from the cold water conduit |9 aremixed, so that the temperature of the water delivered to the washer atthis time is lower than the temperature to be employed for the washingoperation which follows the prewash period. The mixed water passesthrough the conduit 22 and the container 25, wherein it is softened, andis delivered to the tub l0 through the conduit 25. Water is admitted tothe tub until the segments 54 and 55 are disengaged from theirrespective fingers 41 and 48, at which time the solenoids 23 and 30 aredeenergized. In the water control system which I have shown, theadmission of water is solely under control of the timer although, wherepressure variations in the water supply system may prevail, it may benecessary to discontinue the supply of water in response to the level ofwater in the tub by means of a float mechanism in accordance with wellunderstood practice.

Since the speed change solenoid I5 is deenergized at this time, thebasket I3 is rotated at relatively low speed by the motor H foragitating the fabrics in the clear water. Toward the conclusion of theprewash period, the segment 53 engages the contact 49, whereupon thepump solehold 39 is energized to initiate operation of the pump, asdescribed heretofore. Accordingly, a substantial portion of the waterused for prewashing is discharged to the drain. At the end of theprewash period, the segments 52, 53 and are disengaged from theirrespective contacts so that operation of the apparatus is terminated.

The operator then returns to the machine and deposits a suitabledetergent in the tub l and, at this time, inserts a proper quantity ofsalt in the vessel H, which at this time is filled with clear water.Accordingly, a salt solution or brine is provided in the Vessel H forreactivating the zeolite in the container 25, as described hereinafter.The timer 4! is then adjusted to its wash position for engaging thesegments'5'l, 63, and 61 with the fingers 5|, 4'! and 45, respectively.Accordingly, the motors 44 and I! are again energized by the engagementof the segment 51 and the finger 5i, and the solenoid valve 23 isenergized and opened by the engagement of the segment 353 and finger 47.Accordingly, hot water at a temperature determined by the setting of thedevice M is delivered by the latter through the conduit 23, thecontainer 25, and conduit 26 to the tub. This hot water is softened asit passes through the zeolite in the container 25. The basket at thistime is driven by the motor ll at relatively low'washing speed foragitating the fabrics in the soapy water contained in the tub l9,whereby they are cleaned.

At the conclusion of the washing period, the segment 59 and finger 49are engaged for energizing the solenoid 39 whereby the pump 29 isstarted. The vitiated washing fluid is discharged by the pump 29 to thedrain. During the removal of the water from the tub ID, the segments BIand 64 engage their respective fingers 48 and 41 for opening bothsolenoid valves 23 and 30 for a short period of time, for example, oneminute,

during which softened water is delivered to the tub for flushing soapscum and dirt which may adhere to the surface of the fabrics. It will beunderstood that the water admitted at this time constitutes a flushingrinse and is discharged as fast as it is admitted.

Operation of the pump is terminated by the disengagement of the segment59 and finger 49, and the supply of rinse water to the tub for a deeprinse is initiated. The rinse water is admitted during the period thatthe segments 62 and 65 engagetheir respective fingers 48 and 41. It willbe noted that the by-pass solenoid valve 30 is opened at this time sothat water at a lower tem perature than that employed for Washing isdelivered to the tub for the deep rinse. The supply of rinse water isterminated by the disengagement of the segments 62 and 65 from theirrespective fingers. At this time, the tub is rotated at relatively lowspeed for agitating the fabrics in the clear rinse water, whereby thesoap is diffused in the rinse water.

At the conclusion of the rinsing period, the segment 60 engages thefinger 49 so that the pump 29 is again started for discharging the rinsewater from the tub. At this time, the segment 66 engages the finger 45,whereupon both solenoid valves 14 and 16 are energized and opened.Accordingly, the brine or salt solution in the vessel H flows by gravitythrough the conduit 13. the container 25, the conduits 22 and 15, thesolenoid valve 16 and the conduit 3| to the inlet of has been deliveredto the container 25, there is a flow of fresh water from the vessel H inorder to flush the brine from the container 25. It will be understoodthat the brine and the flushing water are discharged to drain by thepump 29, as described.

After all of the washing fluid has been discharged from the tub ID, thesegment 58 engages the contact finger 59 for energizing the speed changemagnet l9, whereupon the basket 13 is accelerated to its highcentrifuging speed. A substantial quantity of water is discharged fromthe fabrics at this time. After apredetermined period of centrifuging,the segments 51, 58, 90, B6 and 6'! are disengaged from their respectivefingers so that all of the electrical translating devices aredeenergized and operation of theme.- chine is terminated. The fabrics ina damp-dried condition may then be removed from the basket i3 throughthe access opening ii. Subsequent to the stopping of the machine, thevessel ll fills with clear water under control of the float valve i2.

It will be noted from the foregoing description that reactivation of thewater-softening material in the container 25 and the subsequent flushingof the reactivating fluid therefrom are carried out during the period inwhich the final rinse water is discharged from the tub and centrifugingof the fabrics is effected. In accordance with this embodiment of theinvention, reactivation of the water-softening material is effected forevery complete cycle of the apparatus, so that a relatively smallquantity of brine and a, relatively small quantity of softening materialmay be employed. With this machine it is necessary for the operator todeposit salt in the brine vessel H for every complete operation of themachine. This can be conveniently done at the time the soap is admittedto the machine for the washing operation.

It may be desirable in some cases to provide a Water-softening systemwhich would be reactivated once every plurality of operations of thewashing machine, for example, once every third time the machine isoperated. This operation may be effected by a timer constructed andarranged as shown in Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive, to which reference willnow be had. It will be understood that the water-softening and washingapparatus used with the timer shown in Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive, areconstructed and arranged in the same manner as shown in Fig. 1, exceptthat a larger brine vessel H and a larger body of softening materialthan those disclosed in connection with Fig. 1 are used. In other words,the water-softening. system would have a capacity approximately threetimes that of the water-sof-' tening system shown in Fig. 1. For thesake of clearness and brevity, the washing apparatus and water-softeningapparatus have not been shown in Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive. Diagrammaticrepresentations of the various electrical translating devices used withthe apparatus are indicated in Fig. 2 and carry similar referencecharacters.

The drum 42 of the timer is shown in elevation, and it will be notedthat the segment 66 and its cooperating contact finger 48, which in Fig.1 control energization of the valves 14 and 16, have been deleted fromthe drum switch. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, energization of thesolenoid valves 14 and 16 is under control of a switch including astationary contact 8| and a movable contact 82, the latter being carriedby a pivoted lever 83. The lever is biased at all times toward theswitch open position, as shown in the drawings, by a tension spring 88.The drum 42 is rotated by a shaft 85 which is rotated by the motor 44through one complete revolution for every complete washing andcentrifuging operation.

In the present embodiment, it is contemplated that the switch contacts8| and 82 are engaged once during three complete cycles of the washingapparatus, or, in other words, once every third revolution of the shaft85. This operation is effected by a screw 86 rotatable with the shaft 85and a projection 81 carried by the lever 83 and fitting between thethreads of the screw 86. The lever 83 may be formed of resilientmaterial and biased at all times toward its solid line position shown inFig. 3, in which position the projection 81 is disposed between thethreads of the screw 86. As the drum shaft 85 is rotated in thedirection of the arrow, the screw 86 moves the projection 81 upwardlyand, therefore, swings the lever 83 towards its circuit-closed positionshown in dotted lines (Fig. 2). At the end of every third cycle orduring the discharge of the rinse water and the centrifuging of thefabrics of every third cycle, the contacts 82 and 8! are engaged forenergizing the solenoid valves 14 and I6. At this time, the zeolite inthe container 25 is reactivated and flushed, as described in connectionwith Fig. 1. At the end of the reactivating period, a cam, shown at 88,at the upper end of the screw 86 moves the lever 83 outwardly to thedotted position, as shown in Fig. 3, in which position the projection 81is moved from between the threads of the screw 86. Accordingly, thetension spring 84 then moves the lever 83 to the bottom of the screw 86,whereby the contacts 8! and 82 are separated. During this movement ofthe lever 83, engagement of the projection 81 with the screw threads 86is prevented by a plate 88 which holds the lever 83 in its outward ordotted line position, as viewed in Fig. 3, until the lever 83 hascompleted its entire travel. When the lever 83 has been moved clear ofthe plate 88, the bias of the lever 83 actuates it to its solid lineposition (Fig. 3), wherein the projection 81 again enters the spacebetween the threads of the screw 86.

In the operation of the apparatus, where controlled by the timer shownin Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive, the operator adds salt to the vessel 1| oncefor a plurality of washing cycles. In the example set forth, theoperator adds salt once every third complete cycle. operator may employthe same program as set forth in the operation of the first embodimentfor the admission of salt, that is, salt may be added to the vessel 1|every time soap is deposited in the tub for a washing operation, thedifference being that only one-third of the total amount of salt whichis necessary for the reactivating solution is deposited at one time.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that I have providedimproved watersoftening apparatus and automatic control means therefor,which may readily be applied to an automatio cycle washing machine. Thewatersoftening apparatus is so constructed that the re- If desired,however, the 6 activating fluid gravitates from its vessel to thecontainer for the softening agent, and thence to the fluid dischargeapparatus under control oi conventional valves controlled by the timer.The supply of make-up water to the vessel for the reactivating iiuid issuch that the vessel is never subjected to the full pressure of thewater supply system. Accordingly, the vessel may be of lightconstruction open at the top so that salt may be readily depositedtherein without the necessity of the operator breaking a watertightconnection.

The arrangement of the water-softening system is such that it may bereactivated each time the washer is cycled or once during a plurality ofcycling operations thereof.

While I have shown my invention in several forms, it will be obvious tothose skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptibleof various other changes and modifications without departing from thespirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitationsshall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appendedclaims.

What I claim is:

1. In washing apparatus of the automatic cycle type including a tub forcontaining a body of washing water and the material to be washed, meansfor washing the material within the tub, a conduit for delivering waterto the tub and having an inlet valve'therein, means for draining waterfrom the tub and a timing device for sequentially operating said washingmeans, valve and draining means so that a predetermined sequence ofsteps in' a washing program is effected, the combination of a containerfor a water-softening agent connected in said conduit and having aninlet port communicating with said inlet valve and an outlet portcommunicating directly with said tub, a vessel for containing fluid forregenerating said agent, valve controlled means connecting said vesseland the portion of the container adjacent the outlet port thereof,second valve controlled means connected to the portion of the containeradjacent the inlet port thereof and controlling the discharge ofregenerating fluid from the container, and means actuated by the timingdevice for operating the first and second valve controlled means for apredetermined period of time when the inlet valve is maintained closedby the timing means.

2. In washing apparatus including a tub for containing washing water andthe material to be washed, means for washing the material in the tub, aconduit for conveying water to the tub, a valve in said conduit and acontroller for sequentially operating said washing means and said valvewhereby a plurality of steps in a predetermined washing program areeffected, the combination of a container for a water-softening agentarranged in said conduit for softening the water admitted to the tub, avessel for containing a solution for reactivating the softening agent,valve controlled means for delivering solution from the vessel to theagent in said container and means operated by said controller onceduring a plurality of washing programs for actuating said valvecontrolled means.

3. In washing apparatus of the automatic cycle type including a tub forcontaining a body of washing water, a basket within the tub forcontaining fabrics to be washed, driving means for actuating the basketat low and high speeds for respectively washing and centrifuging thefabrics, an inlet conduit having an inlet valve therein for 75 conveyingwater to the tub, means for discharging vitiated wash water from the tuband a timing device for sequentially operating the driving means, inletvalve and said water discharging means so that a predetermined sequenceof steps in a washing and centrifuging program is effected, 5

ing device has effected a plurality of washing and centrifugingprograms.

HILBERT E. EDWARDS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,241,887 Pick May 13, 19412,292,814 Barim Aug. 11, 1942 2,304,454 Gudmundsen Dec. 8, 19421,005,093 Wilson Oct. 3, 1911 1,789,314 Lindsay Jan. 20, 1931 2,203,040Bassett June 4, 1940 2,265,225 Clark Dec. 9, 1941 2,355,455 McPhilomyAug. 8, 1944 2,225,407 Bassett Dec. 1'1, 1940

